Categories: Cakes 
      Yield: 1 servings 
  
    3/4 lb Dates; cut in half 
      1 c  Hot water 
      1 ts Soda 
      1 c  Sugar 
    1/2 c  Shortening 
    1/4 ts Salt 
      2    Eggs; beaten 
      1 ts Vanilla 
  1 3/4 c  Flour 
      1 ts Cocoa 
    1/2 c  Pecans; whole 
      1    Chocolate chips; small pack 
           -ge 
  
  Over dates, pour hot water with soda. Let cool. Cream sugar and 
  shortening. Add dates and salt. Add eggs, vanilla and flour sifted 
  with cocoa. Pour in 9 x 13" pan. Sprinkle pecans and chocolate chips 
  over dough in pan. Bake 40 minutes in moderate (350 degree) oven. 
  Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.